School Library Journal Starred Review (Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2002)

Gr 5-8 A distinguished historian has used his formidable talents to produce a concise, accessible, and appealing history in an attractive format. In 41 well-written one or two page chapters, McPherson summarizes the major facts of the war and relates anecdotes that bring to life the conflict's participants, from the commanders in chief to the soldiers on the front lines. Interspersed with accounts of the principal battles are discussions of other important issues, such as slavery, how the war was financed, the roles of African Americans and women, life on the home front, treatment of prisoners of war, and the effects of Reconstruction. Each chapter contains a sidebar of "quick facts," and the book as a whole is enhanced by a profusion of illustrations, many full page, including vintage black-and-white photographs and drawings, period oil paintings in full color, and color maps depicting the locations of campaigns and battlefields. A good pick for researchers and browsers alike. Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

ALA Booklist (Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 2002)

This large-format book provides an attractive and readable introduction to the Civil War. A Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who has published many books on the war, McPherson writes with authority, offering a broad overview as well as many details and anecdotes that give his account a human dimension. A typical double-page spread comprises several paragraphs of text focused on a single topic; a sidebar of quick facts; a small, captioned picture; and a large, full-page picture. The many fine illustrations include period photographs, paintings, prints, some excellent maps and, on the endpapers, a time line of the war. Topics include single battles and leaders as well as broader subjects, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and African American soldiers. Completing the presentation are a lengthy glossary, a bibliography, and a list of recommended Web sites. A good balance of information and illustration on a topic of perennial interest.

Kirkus Reviews

Two percent of the whole population—620,000 soldiers—died in the Civil War. This is almost the number killed in all other wars America has fought, from the Revolution through Vietnam; at the same percentage, the number of Americans killed in a war today would be five and a half million. It was a war that changed America in many ways. It ended slavery, it preserved the union as indivisible, and it continued the process of making America a land of "liberty for all." Five generations later, the war is still fascinating. An estimated 50,000 books have been written about it, many movies made, and Civil War reenactments continue in popularity. Yet there is always a need for another good overview and this fills that need. McPherson, one of the leading Civil War historians, pens an excellent introduction. Focusing mostly on the battles, the volume includes black-and-white photographs by Mathew Brady and Timothy O'Sullivan, period oil paintings, maps, and numerous sidebars with additional "Quick Facts." Most topics are given a one-page treatment, and this—though sometimes limiting—is part of the volume's great appeal: brief, well-written accounts of battles, key people, and issues. The maps are well done, as is the inclusion of soldiers' letters. The bibliography includes mostly books for adults, so it is not useful in guiding young enthusiasts to further age-appropriate books. A thoughtfully and clearly constructed offering that will appeal to history buffs young and old and a must for any Civil War history collection. (glossary, bibliography, Web sites, index) (Nonfiction. 9+)

Horn Book (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Delaney once again combines chills with character development as Tom and others face difficult questions. Should common enemies always create allies? Can Tom kill his friend Alice's murderous mother? Meanwhile, the soul-sucking demon buggane poses a constant threat. Arrasmith's black-and-white illustrations reinforce the idea that the supernatural creatures, even Tom's temporary cohorts, are worth a shudder.